Dear John: You are missing the point. Yes there are situations that require longer shots (I´ve done 250 yard shots on elk in Europe with a .375 H&H using 270gr bullets) but most of the time you can get in close and that is my definition of hunting -getting in as close as you can. In the situations you describe 250 yards was the closest you could get, you did the work you earned the shot. I´ll be hunting the Kalahari in Oct and shots will probably be longer -maybe not.

A lot of hunters are shooters, they are also fat and lazy so they compensate with shooting lemons (I´m quoting Hemingway here) at 300 yards.

He´ll happily do this from a bakkie or a kopje because he has no other choices, his fat a-s can´t take the walking or the crawling.

Get off your high horses and get real.

cewe-
If you will go back and re-read Sarge's post I think you will see that it wouldn't be hard for anyone to get the impression that he feels no "real" hunter needs to take longer shots, except in very isolated circumstances. I totally disagreed with this and can assure you that even a "real" hunter will need to take many longer shots than some would have you believe, if he has the opportunity to hunt enough. For that you say I need to come down off of my high horse?
And yes, many hunters are shooters, and I would put myself in that group being as I enjoy the shooting as much as the hunting. Many of those fat assed hunters can/do have other health issues that might preclude them from getting in shape. I wouldn't be so quick to judge them, shooting from a hill or the truck might be all they are capable of, and for them, doing that is better than not going to the field at all.

Quote: Sorry, but I feel that this question is a meaningless noise.

John S:I think I got some things mixed up here, I sort of remembered that it was you who made the "meaningless noise" comment

Sarge still has a point, it could have been placed more politely though.

Here I owe you guys an apology.

People with health issues are allowed special arrangements, after four knee operations etc I know how it feels to slow down. BUT most shooters are just out of shape and/or uninterested in hunting ethics.

That according to my definition of "shape" and "ethics". I´m not selling the truth, just my opinion.

cewe-
No apology necessary. I just get a bit tired of the constant drum beating on several points regarding African hunting and guns for it, especially when my own experience runs counter to a lot of it. And you know the old saying about experience being the best teacher...

After my first hunt in SA I was an old pro, after my second I realised I know next to nothing.

We´re all learners, everyday in everyway.

And an apology was in order, it was my screw up.

That's for sure.

You know, if folks like to "get closer" becasue they want more of a challenge, that's great, I sort do to an extent, but making a shot at 300 yards takes a lot of skill also and I take umbrage at those who say we're the lesser because we can effect such a shot. I must re-emphasize that I also do not agree with those tht {sic} routinely make 600 yard plus shot at big game. jorge

To each his own jorge.

I'll just stick with the .338 Win Mag. It kills things just fine at ranges further than I care to admit to. And yes, I prefer to just get a little closer when ever possible.

What about a 325wsm ,maybe in a Kimber?

cewe" That's why I used the relatively mild term of "not agree." In my opinion and that's all it is an opinion, shots at those extreme ranges, when coupled with the high trophy fees just don't add up to me. I'll take it with say a doe, coyote, etc but with 2800 dollar sable, no way, but like you say, to each his own. jorge

One of our light rifles used in Zambia this year was a custom 9.3x62. We shot 9 head of game at ranges of 80 yds. to over 200 yards and all were one shot kills. Our load was Mike Brady's 250 gr. soft point. I also carried 10 rounds of 320 gr. woodleigh softs and solids just in case. I think that for most general big game hunting that the 9.3x62 is great. I also love the 375 H&H. My wife is still intimidated by it and prefers the 9,3x62. Life is great with so many choices available to us.